Chief Marketing Officer Rick Budar of the Hawaii Health Connector told The Associated Press on Tuesday that consumers will be able to apply for coverage, but insurers are still testing and reviewing rates in part to make sure they're shown correctly within the system.

Hawaii consumers tried shopping for health coverage through the website, but experienced problems. According to Hawaii Health Connector Executive Director Coral Andrews, more than 1,000 people visited the site by noon.

Andrews says they are still working hard to get it all up and running as quickly as possible. In the meantime, shoppers can go on the website to complete an application and visit the tax calculator to see what subsidies may be available for them.

In a statement released Tuesday afternoon, Gov. Neil Abercrombie chimed in on the status of the program.

“This is a work in progress and the state is monitoring the situation at the Hawaii Health Connector. I believe, like other health exchanges across the nation, the Connector will roll out improvements to its system in phases and provide the public with key information,” said Gov. Abercrombie.

HMSA has made its health care plans available through its new neighborhood center on Keeaumoku Street. Kaiser Permanente is offering its rates and plans on its website buykp.org.

Hawaii's insurance division said last month it approved 95 base plans under four tiers for the marketplace.

Budar says he doesn't expect many people to purchase plans until December, with coverage starting Jan. 1.

20 health insurance terms you should know

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health insurance terms - allowed amount

Allowed amount

This may also be called an "eligible expense" or "negotiated rate" or "payment allowance." It is the maximum amount on which payment is based for health care services that are covered by your insurance.

Copyright 2013 byKITV The Associated Press contributed to this report. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

connector experienced big problems on its first day . But for a different reason. Consumers could not SHOP between the providers---HMS A and Kaiser. That's because they are still TESTING that part of the program to make sure the plans and rates are accurate. Frustrated consumers called our newsroom-- with some saying they were kicked out of the system and couldn't get through to anyone. Health conection executive directo Coral Andrews says they are working hard to get it all up and running as quickly as possible. In a statement released this afternoon.... Governor Neal Abercrombie said: " This is a work in progress and the state is monitoring the situation at the Hawaii Health Connector. I believe, like other health exchanges across the nation, the Connector will roll out improvements to its system in phases and provide the public with key information" 4 seconds of blessing HMSA today blessed its new neighborhood center ...... Consumers can go in and learn about the health plans offered by HMSA---and get answers to questions about the affordable health care act. They'll also being opening centers soon in Pearl City and in Hilo. Kaiser Permanente is also offering customers a chance to look over Kaiser rates and plans.....by visiting buykp.org. Health care connector Coral Andrews says more than a 1000 people visited the site by noon. Andrews says you can on the website complete and application and visit the tax calculator to see what subsidies you may be available for. For more